Virginia State Police troopers are now carrying a drug with them that can revive people from opioid overdose.

As of the beginning of July, all state troopers in Virginia through the rank of first sergeant are trained to administer NARCAN. Many law enforcement officers and other emergency personnel are now carrying NARCAN at all times on the job.

“A lot of drugs are laced with this fentanyl so it’s just a precautionary thing so we’re not having any fatalities due to the drug,” said Virginia state trooper Zachary Harris. Troopers say carrying NARCAN is also a precaution for themselves in case they come into contact with fentanyl on the job.

NARCAN Nasal Spray is an FDA-approved nasal form of naxolone, which is an opioid antagonist. VSP has more than 2,100 dispensers and trained personnel carry two with them on the job, while K-9 troopers are issued three for the protection of their dogs.

According to a press release from Virginia State Police on June 29, there has already been a rescue using a NARCAN dispenser in the commonwealth. State trooper J.A. Montgomery responded to a medical emergency on June 17 in Lynchburg in which an adult woman suffered from an opioid-related overdose.

The more than 2,100 dispensers were purchased by VSP using a grant of $154,800 from the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

Carly joined NBC29 as a reporter in June 2018 after graduating with a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Maryland. To contact her or share your story ideas, you can email her at ckempler@nbc29.com and follow her on Twitter @CarlyKempler

Carly joined NBC29 as a reporter in June 2018 after graduating with a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Maryland. To contact her or share your story ideas, you can email her at ckempler@nbc29.com and follow her on Twitter @CarlyKempler